Fly into Ballina or the Gold Coast, then drive — the Northern Rivers is large and spread out across coast and hinterland. Here's how to reach it and get around.
Shuttle services and rental cars connect both airports with Byron Bay and the surrounding towns.
Essential for the Northern Rivers — the coastal towns and hinterland villages are spread out, and a car lets you link them.
Airport shuttles cover Byron transfers; local taxis and rideshare operate but can be limited away from town.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail follows the old railway through farmland — a scenic cycling route between villages.
There's no rail service in the region — plan to fly and drive, or join a guided tour.
Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) serves the north of the region and Byron Bay, while Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is central. For the Clarence Valley to the south, Grafton has a regional airport.
It's about 1 to 2 hours' drive south down the Pacific Motorway, depending on how far down the coast you're going — the Tweed is closest, the Clarence Valley furthest.
No — there's no passenger rail service. The old line now forms part of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail for cycling. Most visitors fly into Ballina or the Gold Coast and drive.
Yes — the region is large and spread out across the coast and hinterland, so a car is the practical way to explore. Shuttles cover Byron transfers and guided tours are an option.
A car links the coastal towns and hinterland villages, airport shuttles handle Byron transfers, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers a scenic cycling route between inland villages.
Cooee Tours acknowledges the Bundjalung and Yaegl peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Northern Rivers, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.